TRIBUTES poured in yesterday following the death of one of the North-East's most celebrated war heroes.

Surviving members of the Durham Light Infantry and civic leaders spoke of their affection and respect for Captain Richard Annand - the last surviving member of the DLI to hold the Victoria Cross.

Capt Annand, the first serving soldier to receive the nation's highest award for bravery during the Second World War, died in the University Hospital of North Durham on Christmas Eve.

Just six weeks ago, his former comrades from the DLI Association gathered outside the home he shared with his wife Shirley in Whitesmocks, Durham City, to mark his 90th birthday with a parade of bugles and drums.

Sir Paul Nicholson, Lord Lieutenant of the County, last night led the tributes to the man who was Durham's longest serving deputy lieutenant. He said: "Captain Annand was one of the most respected VCs, he and his wife Shirley together made a great contribution to Durham for more than 60 years. He will be much missed.''

Originally from South Tyneside, Capt Richard Wallace Annand earned his VC at the age of 25, while serving as a second lieutenant in the Second Battalion of the DLI.

On May 16, 1940, his platoon engaged a German unit on a bridge over the River Dyle, near Brussels, Belgium.

When his men ran out of ammunition, he advanced over open ground under heavy fire and drove the enemy back with grenades.

After having his wounds dressed he resumed command of his men and continued the attack. When his platoon finally withdrew, he found his batman was missing so returned to behind enemy lines and brought the injured man back in a wheelbarrow.

Capt Annand returned to England and was married four months later. At his recent birthday celebrations Mrs Annand, speaking of her reluctant hero husband, said he had told her it was the men who were with him who deserved the medal and that he wore the VC for them.

Last night's tributes reflected the fact that Capt Annand was as well known for his warmth and generosity as his valour.

Kingsley Smith, chief executive of Durham County Council, said: "He was greatly admired and respected all his life, he was an institution in the region.''

Director of cultural services, Patrick Conway, who was in overall charge of the DLI Museum at Aykley Heads said: "Dick Annand was one of the undoubted heroes of the DLI.

"He was a tremendous support and advocate of the museum and one of the museum areas is devoted to him where we are proud to have the uniform he wore when he was awarded the VC.

"He will certainly always have a place in the affections of everyone associated with the regiment.''